Playing big in BIG games

Interesting that, beyond all the game planning, matching up, special sets, and other details, games are often decided by a commitment to fundamentals. When coaches talk about players playing big in big games (more importantly playing big LATE in big games), they don't usually use the word 'fundamentals' but they certainly know it is implied.

Take Game 5 of the current NBA Western Conference final - it is a perfect example in many ways. An LA player, instead of doing the fundamentally proper move of using up some shot clock after getting another chance on offense (when up 3), puts up an ill-advised hurried 3 point attempt. Enter the mental side of the game. Need to always be thinking 'time and score' - of which that player was reminded by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. A missed box out allowed Phoenix a 3 point attempt, which they then made. Tie game under 4 seconds to go.

Finally, a sideline inbound that was obviously going to LA's hot shooter. Defensive focus was on that player. Shot goes up, but falls short. Fundamentals now play the role. Instead of finding LA players and making contact with them (hit and sit with a solid box out), the defenders are slow to the ball - focussed only on the ball. As is often the case, the aggressive weakside offensive rebounder (who sees the entire play in front of him, as well as the adjustment of the defense) charges to the ball and beats the defender. No contact was made, offensive rebound, put back off glass, clock expires, game over, two point loss. In just two seconds, a potential series lead turns into a deficit - all because of fundamentals.

End result is that a player (who mentally could have lost focus) erases the recent poor decision play from his mind, plays in the moment, uses proper fundamentals, makes a play, and changes a series. Kobe Bryant said it best. "It comes down to just fundamental things," Bryant said. "They knocked down a 3-pointer because we didn't box out. They wind up losing the game because they didn't box out. It's just the little things like that that are the difference between winning big playoff games and losing them."